Patience in Tribulation

In the book of Romans, Paul writes: “Be patient in tribulation …”

That’s not always easy, is it? Several years ago there was a story in Reader’s Digest about a car that became stalled at a crowded intersection just as the light turned green. Of course, the stalled car held up the line of vehicles behind it. Obviously upset, the man who was driving the car hurriedly got out and lifted the hood to look for the problem. As he did, the driver of the car behind him began honking her horn.

The honking persisted as the driver of the stalled car continued to search unsuccessfully for the trouble. Finally, he went over and spoke to the impatient motorist behind him. “If you will fix my car,” he said calmly, “I’ll be glad to keep blowing your horn for you.”

We can identify, can’t we? How often do we pray, “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me now.”

“Be patient in tribulation . . .”

Some time ago, Gabe Goodman, the senior pastor at a church I once served, reminded us that the early Christians knew what tribulation was. They had suffered every imaginable persecution, but they did not give up their faith.

Some of you know what tribulation is as well. You may have had family problems, emotional problems, physical problems. And you have prayed, you have cried, you have pleaded for some kind of help from somewhere. It is awfully hard to trust in God at such a time as that. But, as the Apostle Paul knew, God is the only hope we have.

I pray today for you for patience: in small situations at work, at home, on the road, and for patience in the bigger circumstances that surround you. In your waiting and seeking, may God’s peace and courage fill you with hope.

Let us pray: Sometimes, O God, it is hard to wait for answers to our prayers. In our daily struggles, we need your strength. We need to be reminded that you are good and that you are with us. Grant us the patience and the courage we need for this day.  We pray today especially for the men and women who have served or are serving in the military – some of whom are truly facing dramatic tribulation. We pray with them and for them for your protection. And, we long with them for the day when all wars will cease and your peace will reign. Through Jesus our Savior. Amen.